Transform Your Blah February into a Fabulous Month of Wellness
February has always been a challenging month for me. It's a short month with plenty of winter activities to enjoy, but I still feel the blues unless I take steps to boost my mental health! I'm going to share these tips with you, so you can also keep the February blues at bay!
Heart Health - I dedicate February to focusing on my heart health by increasing my cardio to reach an anaerobic heart rate zone (150-170 bpm). This can be done with a HIIT work out of one minute walking, followed by one minute of running, for 5 to 10 rounds. I mix up my cardio with activities like spinning, rowing, or running on the treadmill to keep it engaging and to boost my endorphin levels. After an intense cardio session, I always experience a surge of energy. It's important to understand your VO2 max numbers. At this stage, my exercise routine is more about how my body feels rather than its appearance. Gaining knowledge about the heart and maintaining its health can elevate your workouts to a new level!
Vitamin D - I boost my vitamin D intake, which is crucial if you don't spend much time outdoors. Vitamin D is associated with depression, and the reduced sun exposure during winter makes it difficult to obtain naturally. Therefore, I increase mine by taking drops in the morning and evening (600-800 IU). Note: Consult a healthcare professional and have your vitamin D levels tested before self-medicating. I was unaware of how low my vitamin D was until it was checked! The benefits of vitamin D include stable energy levels, improved muscle function and recovery, and stronger teeth and bones!
Sleep Well and Longer - creating a bed time routine that helps me prepare for a good nights sleep is so important in the winter months especially. We generally feel more tired in the winter months anyway, so why not embrace getting to bed early. This is a game changer for me. A good nights sleep is like a mini vacation. A power nap can be a great way to recharge if you find your energy waining in the middle of the day. For me, 20 to 30 minutes of rest in the afternoon is like hitting a reset button. I know not everyone can nap mid day, but even sitting quietly while focused on breathing (also known as mediation) can help you shift your energy.
While these tips may not be the hottest gossip in town, they've been my trusty sidekicks during one of the trickiest months of the year! February, the month of love, is here, and it’s not just about roses and heart-shaped chocolates (though I won’t say no to a sweet treat now and then!). Think of these tips as the ultimate gift for your mental and physical health! When we pamper our bodies with the care they deserve, they return the favor with a burst of energy and a sprinkle of wellness magic. So, let’s turn up the fun and make this heart month a celebration of self-love and vitality!
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